New to Landrover and Freelander

[rich67]

Hi, I know I am probably going to be told that I have made a mistake but I am now the owner of a 1998 3door Freelander (it was a deal I couldnt refuse) I have a couple of questions for those out there that know the ins and outs of them.

The battery has been replaced but there is no code for the radio. Whats the best way of getting this? I have the seriel and model number.

When unlocking with the remote the drivers door stays locked and I have to use the key.Is there an easy fix for this?

The headgasket has been done in the last 20ks but I dont think the thermostat mod has been done. Do I need to do this as soon as possible?

Thanks for reading my long post and for any answers.

[Scouse]

In regards to the radio code, try a LR dealer first. They might need ID before giving you the code & they'll need your VIN too.

[woko]

best thing to do with the radio, is to rip it out and throw it. They are rubbish. go and buy a cheap one from super cheap it will be much better quality than the original.

The door lock will need a new latch. the central locking is all part of the latch and cant buy parts for the latch, have to buy complete unit.

Do the thermostat mod ASAP. this is a major contributor to head gasket failure. Easy to tell if its done, there is a plastic part joining the radiator hoses together.

Do you know what head gasket type was used when the gasket was changed?
There is a upgraded gasket now a Multi steel layer gasket used with a shim with a upgraded oil rail to stiffen the block.

[rich67]

Thanks for replys, was thinking about swaping the radio but it has the cd changer under the seat. Will this work with any other radios?

I will look through the paper work and see if I can contact the garage that did the headgasket to find out which one they used.

It dosent look like the thermostat mod has been done, any idea on price for the parts? so thats moved to top of the to do list!

Also can I use tap water in the cooling or should I get proper coolant, any recomendations?

Thanks again, I think I will be here often!!

[101RRS]

I just sold my diesel Freelander this week - you should have bought it ;).

Yes get the thermostat done, don't put water in the cooling system - coolant/coolant distilled water mix only.

Never, never, never, never let your engine get even slightly hot as it will die - you should have bought a diesel.

Learn how to test the Viscous Coupling Unit on the rear driveshaft - do a search on here there is plenty it.

Rolling diameter on the tyres needs to be kept very close to the same so rotate every 10,000km or less.

Garry

[rich67]

Thanks Gary, I will do the stat as soon as. It needs some new front tyres, would it be best to get part worns to match up with the rears or new then put them on the rear?

[101RRS]

It needs some new front tyres, would it be best to get part worns to match up with the rears or new then put them on the rear?

This would indicate that the tyres have not been rotated.

This is a tough call - ideally new all round but obviously may not be possible - depends on how worn the old ones are. The fronts wear twice as fast as the rears so maybe put new ones on the front and let them wear down to the rears but I have something in the back of my mind that there is a "rule" on where to put the newer tyres but I cannot recall - maybe someone else knows.

Garry

[woko]

This would indicate that the tyres have not been rotated.

This is a tough call - ideally new all round but obviously may not be possible - depends on how worn the old ones are. The fronts wear twice as fast as the rears so maybe put new ones on the front and let them wear down to the rears but I have something in the back of my mind that there is a "rule" on where to put the newer tyres but I cannot recall - maybe someone else knows.

Garry
Best to get them all to match. but if cant, new ones on the rear.

[101RRS]

new ones on the rear.

That was what I had in the back of my mind but didn't seem logical. As the tyres wear the fronts will get smaller as they wear twice the rate of the rears stressing the VCU all the more.

However I agree all the advice seems to put them on the rear.

Rich I would do what Woko has said

[zhoey]

1. The battery has been replaced but there is no code for the radio. Whats the best way of getting this? I have the seriel and model number.

2. When unlocking with the remote the drivers door stays locked and I have to use the key.Is there an easy fix for this?



1. Main dealer should be able to supply the CODE from your chassis number.

2. Hit the unlock button on your remote twice. 1st time unlocks the driver's door. 2nd time unlocks the rest of the car.

[Tib64]

If you still need the code for your radio then go here Go Technologies: Service & Support (http://www.go-tech.com.au/services.html) fill out the pdf form and e-mail it to them ... for $22 they will send you your code ... worked for me for one of my FL's. Beats paying some ridiculous price from a dealer.

Do many searches on the net ... you can repair or by many parts for the FL for much less then going to Range Rover.

[rich67]

Best to get them all to match. but if cant, new ones on the rear.
Had the new tyres fitted to the rear, rear put on front. When driving off noticed a whinning and vibration that wasnt there before? Thought fronts must need balancing, went back and had them done. Was a little better but still there, figured it must be the new tyres and that the diff mounts need doing (waiting for parts to arrive). Then had a thought, I wonder if the new tyres are bigger than the older ones as the older ones are not that worn? Measured the radius and the new tyres are 5mm smaller than the older ones!! Swaped them around and whinning and vibration gone!! Cant believe that 5mm would make that much differance.Just hope I havent done any lasting damage!!